Beverage dispensing apparatus



Oct. 19, 19 3- J. B. TESTORI BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 4, 1941 2 sheets-sheet l INVENTOR 70% 273. 72255012. BY 1 MM A ORNEYS- ing practiced or carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, and it is not intended to limit the invention claimed herein beyond the requirements of the prior art.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown therein one form of dispensing apparatus or device embodying the present invention.

In Fig. 1 of the drawings the entire assembly is illustrated, somewhat diagrammatically. In this view, there is shown a cooling chamber or tank H) which, as shown, merely by way of illustration, is mounted below a shelf, bar or counter l I which in the present instance serves as a cover or top for the cooling chamber. The supply of carbonated liquid or beverage is contained in a supply tank I2 which is connected by means of a pipe line I3 having a plurality of superimposed coiled sections [3a to a storage reservoir or tank M. It will be seen that the coiled portions Bar of the pipe line and the storage reservoir M are located within the cooling chamber If]. The bot tom of the storage reservoir or tank I4 is closed by means of a head or base cap member H5 and the upper end of said reservoir is closed by means of a head or cap member I! (Fig. 4). It will be seen that the upper cap member I! is provided with a pair of spaced lugs or upward projections Ila whichare drilled or bored transversely for a purpose to be described hereinafter. The end members, caps or heads IEand [1 are secured together and to the cylindrical portion of the storage reservoir [4 by means of a series of bolts or rods l5 provided with securing nuts to hold the parts together as a unit.

The lower or under face of the bottom cap or head member i6 is provided with an annular rib lBa so as to form a centrally disposed depression, recess or chamber l8. Secured to the annular rib in any suitable manner, as by means of screws or bolts Nib, is a pressure regulator device, shown as a whole at i9. This pressure regulator comprises, as shown, a dome-shaped cap having a downwardly projecting internally threaded nipple or annular boss 2| to receive a recessed screwthreaded plug 22. The regulator comprises also a diaphragm 23 which is formed of rubber or other suitable flexible material which is secured between the dome-shaped cap 29 and the annular rib IBa of the head member IE. As shown, the

' diaphragm 23 is also clamped between a pair of "metal disks 24 and 25, there being a centrally disposed depending stem or pin 25 attached to the disk 25 and having a shoulder which engages the larger disk 24. This stem portion extends into the threaded nipple 2| and also into the recess or socket formed in a screw-threaded closure plug 22. A pressure control or regulating coil tension spring 21 surrounds the stem 26 and is seated at its lower end in the plug 22 and against the disk 24 at its upper end. It will be understood that the mechanical pressure upon the diaphragm and the disk 24 can be varied or regulated by means of the adjustable plug 22 which may be manipulated to increase or decrease the tension of the spring 21.

The head member or cap It is provided centrally thereof in its upper face with a socket or chamber 23 within which is located a .spring' I pressed valve 29 having a downwardly projecting stern portion 29a. The upper end of the chamber or socket 28 is closed by a screw-threaded 3 l. The valve stem 23a engages the disk 25 above the diaphragm 23.

The body portion of the head orclosure member i6 is also provided with a transverse bore or passageway 32 which communicates at its inner end with the chamber or space 28 and also with the space [8 through the medium of the bore 33 extending from the pocket or space 28. The outer end of the bore or passageway 32 is tapped and threaded to receive a coupling member or pipe fitting 3 to which is attached an extension l3b of the tube or pipe line l3, l3a.

Adjacent the upper end of the wall of the storage reservoir 54 there is provided a substantially Ii-shaped plug or coupling 35 which, as shown, is

- threaded into the upright wall of thestorage reservoir. The lower portion of the coupling 35 is connected with the upright pipe section 131) and at its outer end is in communication with the section 13a of the pipe line through the medium of a coupling member or fitting 35.

The plug or coupling 35 is provided with a conical manually controlled or actuated valve 31 having a threaded stem and a knurled operating handle portion 38. It will be seen that when the valve 31 is screwed down it can be made to seat upon the body of the coupling 35. By adjusting the position of the valve 31, it will be understood that carbonated beverage from the supply tank l2 can be supplied to the storage reservoir I4 in a controlled supply, the amount of opening or space between the conical valve 31 and its seat controlling the quantity and the rate of flow of the liquid which can pass into the storage reservoir.

The interior of the storage reservoir i4 is in communication with the chamber or space l8 formed in the lower cap member l5 by means of a stand pipe or tube 39 which has its lower end threaded into a drilled bore formed in the cap or head l6. It will be noted that this stand pipe or tube 39 extends upwardly and terminates at 39a adjacent the upper portion of the storage reservoir. Thus, carbonated beverage supplied i to the reservoir l4 enters said reservoir at the upper end thereof.

The purpose of the pressure regulator I9 i to control'or regulate-the pressure of the carbonated beverage which is supplied to the storage reservoir from'the supply tank [2. By adjusting the tension of the spring member 21, thi can be regulated as desired.

The upright wall portion of the storage reservoir i4 is tapped at a'point substantially opposite the location of the coupling or fitting 35 to receive and support a coupling member or fitting 40 which, as explained hereinafter, is connected by means of a pipe or tube with the dispensing faucet of" the apparatus. Threaded into the fitting or coupling member 49 is an L-shaped fitting ll to the lower end of which the upright section or portion of a liquid feed pipe 42 is threadedly connected. This feed pipe 42 i provided at its lower end with a series or plurality of spiral coils 43, the diameter of these spiral coils being nearly as large as the inside diameter of the storage reservoir Hi. It will be noted that the lower end of the pipe 42, 43 is placed just above and adjacent to the inner or top face of the head or cap member lfi, the intake portion of this pipe being designated at 44. Thus, it will be seen that liquid from the storage reservoir I4, while being supplied thereto by the end 390. of the tube 33 adjacent the upper end of said reservoir, is withdrawn therefrom-through the pipe egss nave end M at a point located-adjacent the bottom 1 thereof; thus eliminatinganyexcess gaseousfipressure in the liquid.

By particular reference toFigs. l and- 4 f the rawings,*it will be seen thatthe-beverage'dise jpensing -pipe-"'42, through the medium of the" coupling members id amid I -is connected with the dispensing faucet er the apparatus which is -shown-as-a-whdleat 45. This faucet-is of corn ventionalstructure and is provided with a sub- --stantia1ly ball-like valve 41 which valve is normally maintained against its seat 43 by means of =atensi-onspr-ing'AB. The innerend of the spring -restsagainsta seat-formed in =aconnecting pipe -50 which is connected to th coupling -48 at its inner end-andto the-'dispensing-faucet 48' at its outer end.

The valve 61 is' provided with a valve stem Ma which has a slidingfit-ina longitudinal bore :in the dispensing-faucet fi, the outer end portion of the valve stem being rounded or domeshaped -as-shownat-4l'b. When it is desired to "dispense liquid through the faucet '36, an operatinghandle-EI is moved in "a counterclockwise direction so as to br-i-ng 'thelowerend portion or "nose 52 thereof'into contact 'with the-end portionl'lb of thevalvestern so as to-move or shift the valvestem to therig-ht of Fig.4.- and remove -or-unseat the valve-' i'l from its seat ts, thusal- "low-ingliquid tobe discharged through the bore or passage 33a in the faucet. After-a sufficient quantity of liquid has been withdrawnthrough the faucet, thehandle is moved in'a clockwise direction to its original position which'removes its nose portion 52 from contact with the end iiib'of the valve stem, whereupon the tension spring 49 com s into action and returns the valve 51 to its seat to shut ofi'thefiowof liquid to the faucet. The return of the valve 48-to its seat or to closed position is, of course, assisted by the pressure of the-liquid in the-"pipe line-i). The dispensing faucet AG-andalso the operating handle EL 52 are-as -sh0Wn,- ofconventional construction.

Referring now-particularly to Figs. 4, 5 and 6 101 the drawings, there-isshown in these figures .further novel features of construction'embodying the-present invention. I It -=will be seen that the head or cap memberl'l is provided with a centrally disposed depending annular bos 55 having a-passageway -55 therethrough. The lower end portion"?! of the-boss :55 .is'externally threaded to receive and 1 support removable coupling enernber or-fitting-shown'asawhole at'58. The

- coupling member w, as shown,- comprises an up- :the coupling mernber -58 are-provided with internally projectingguide portion, ribor aper- -"tured web 6!. Thelower end ofthe portion- 6D of the fitting or coupling member is provided with a valve seatGDa.

"A closure member orcap, shown as a--who1e 62, isadaptedto be threaded onto the lower portion fifiof the coupling or-fitting member and -hagan a-pertured lower or bottom wall-t3, and internally threadedside Walls EiSa. The side wall 83a is provided with a port or opening 64 through which gas or air: from within the storagereser- -voir le'rnaypass.

The boss 55 at approximately 1 its niid se'ction is enlarged "or thickened to provide-:a valve seat 65 located in its under face and against which --a reciprocating valve, such -asa disk-valve 66, 'is 'adapte'd-to-seat. 'The valve fit'is'provided with astem 61 whi'ch, as shown, has an -enlarged head-E8. -The outer 'or upper 'errdof-theihead fl is rounded or of dome-like formation -:as shown at 653. The stem GT-o'fthe -val ve :is surroun'ded by--a cciledtension spring it! which finds a seat at-i-ts-upper end-against thehead sa or-tne valve stem and seats-at its -lower end against' the -en- "larged 7 portion of the boss 5 5.

-As-=shown, the cap or closure meniberfiE-acar- *r-iesthe stern ll of 'a ball-like float 12, the valve stem? 5 passing through a guide sewers-amen *has a sliding fit within the aper-tured lower wa'll ="t3 cf thecap member. Theupper end of the stem 'i'l supports a rubber frusto=conioa1 valve --member l -i which isheld in place between a "metal disk or "nut surrounding the valve: stem "and a sleeve -or-'collar 76 which isthrea'ded onto the upper endof the stem Lil. It'--wil1' be' seen that the sleeve or=collar fifi has aneasy sliding fit within theopening formed in theinternal projecting portion or Web 6 I of thecouplin'g memher-58 which servesas-a guide for the upper end ef the valve stem! l. The-guide memberL3may be omitted,'- if desired, in which case' the opening inthe bottem 'wall 63 would be macle somewhat smaller than-shown so-that said well would-serve as-a guide for the stem 1 l.

W'hen the float member '52 is raised or -"elevate-d bythe liquid in the-storage-'reservoir l4 -to--a predetermined point, the valve 'mem ber l l will-engage the valve seat 6524 and close oom- 'munication betweenthestorage reservoir is and the upper portion of the boss-andnap-assembly. It will be understoodthatthe spring "Til normally -ma-ii1tains the disk-like valve 66 -agai-nst its'seat 655. it wi-ll 'be understood further that-the valves operate I function separately and also independently of acne "another.

The valve member t a" provides-an excess. pressure release device or means fore-the" dispensing apparatus. It is-desirable in apparatus of the character embodying the present invention to release a certain amount of excess or surplus pressure from with-in the storagereservoir -14 -ust prior to epeningthe dispensing iaucetva-lve 53 and it is-also desirable to release isome -additional excess or surplus pressure fromwi -in the storage receptaciejust after the dispeneing valve has closed to permit additional i liquid to enter the storage reservoir. For this purposegllhave devised'novel means for: opening -tne .valve 66 during the I manipulation or =operation of -manually controlled handle-5i for actuatingzthe dispensing valve 'Ihus, when tlielh'andle fii is moved in a counterclockwise direction-to. open the valve 48, during its movement in such direetion the valve 653 will betemporarily or. meme-atariiy unseated to-allowthe escape thrcughrtne passageway or exhaust port as of any surplus :er excess of gas or pressure-within-the storage receptacle i i.

As clearly shown int-he drawings, there is provided a threaded rod. or -n1ember,-shown as whole at 8-3, see particularly 4 and la which has a sliding fit within the aligned apertures formed in the lugs or bosses-Ha of the upper head orcap member 8'? for thestora'ge reservoir. Threaded onto the member 8% isa ball-iiken1emher or valve actuator si 'wl by being rotated relative to the member 2%, a may be adjusted lengthwise of said member. The forward en-d bf the member 8531sccnnected by means si a -link,

or rod 82 to the handle member Thus, as the handle member 51 is moved, for example, in

a counterclockwise direction to open or unseat the dispensing valve 48, the ball-like member 8| will engage the dome-like end portion 69 of the valve 66 and force the valve 66 from off its seat 65 against the action of the tension spring 16. This momentary unseating of the valve 66 will allow the escape of any excess or surplus pressure within the storage reservoir l4 through the port or passageway 56 As the handle 5| is moved further toward theleft of Fig. 4 to unseat the dispensing valve 48, the ball-like member 81 will pass or ride over the end 69 and allow the tension spring 16 to again seat the valve 66 against its seat 65.

When the handle 5! is again returned to its original position or moved in a clockwise direction to permit the dispensing valve 48 to be returned to its seat by virtue of the tension spring a 49, the ball-like member 8| is again brought into contact with the end 69 of the valve 66 and moves the valve off its seat momentarily to allow the escape of excess pressure through the passageway 55. As the handle 54 is moved further in a clockwise direction to its inoperative position,

the ball member 8| rides over the dome-like end 69 and permits the tension spring it to again seat the valve against its valve seat 65 and again close or seal the passageway or opening 66.

The valve 31 regulates the flow of liquid into reservoir M at the same rate that the liquid flows through the faucet 46 when the dispensing valve 48 is open, thus preventing any surging or disturbance of the liquid in the reservoir which would cause the production of foam in the reservoir as would be thecase if the flow of fluid past the valve 3! and into the reservoir were at a greater rate than the flow of the fluid out of the dispensing faucet.

The purpose of the relief valve 66 is to reduce the pressure within the reservoir i4 while the liquid is being drawn through the faucet 46 to equalize the flow. If the inflowing rate of the liquid were greater than that of the outflowing rate through the faucet 46, the pressure within the reservoir l4 would be built up to its original high pressure which is maintained when the dispensing valve is closed. The conical valve 31 is adjustable so as to regulate this flow of the liquid so that it will be constant through the apparatus or system when the dispensing valve is open.

The ball member 8|, if desired, can be made of substantially oval shape so as to present a longer contact surface with the dome-shaped end 69 of the relief valve structure to hold the valve 66 open longer, allowing more gas to escape through the port 66 in cases where the apparatus is used to dispense beverages or liquids having a higher -gaseous content. If desired, the ball 8| can be adjusted or set at a point along the threaded rod 80 so that when the dispensing valve 48 is opened, the relief valve 66 will be held partly open constantly while the beverage is flowing through the faucet, such for example, as where the beverage is bein drawn in larger quantities to fill large containers.

.The float actuated valve member 14 is in the nature of a safety valve for the apparatus and is controlled solely by the upward and downward movement of the ball-like float member 12. In the event that the handle 5i should be left in an intermediate position accidentally, with the ball member 8| engaging the end 69 of the valve 66 to hold said valve unseated, the inrush of carbonated beverage from the supply tank to the storage reservoir l4 will raise the level of the liquid in the reservoir and cause the float to move upwardly, whereupon the valve member 74 will engage its seat 60a and prevent the escape of liquid through the passageway 56. Thus, it will be seen, that the float actuated valve 14 operates entirely independently of the mechanical valve member 66 and also independently of the manually opened and spring-closed dispensing valve member 48.

By virtue of the fact that the so-called outlet tubing or pipe 42, 43 which is connected with the dispensing faucet 46 is provided with a plurality of turns 43, it is possible to withdraw liquid from the storage reservoir I4 which is under higher pressure than has heretofore been possible with beverage dispensing apparatus.

Because of the present improved construction, the carbonated liquid may be stored in the apparatus at a higher pressure than that at which it is withdrawn from the storage reservoir, This preserves the carbonation in the liquid so that the beverage, when drawn, it not flat.

The release of excessive pressures from within the storage reservoir through the mechanically operated valve 66 also allows the storage of carbonated liquid at a higher pressure. Due to the fact that the operation of the handle for controlling the dispensing valve 48 effects the opening of the valve 66 through the movement of said handle and interconnecting mechanism, excess pressures are released prior to the drawing of the beverage and also when the handle 5| is returned so as to permit the closing of the dispensing valve. This release of pressure on the return stroke or movement of handle 5! is important since new liquid coming into the storage reservoir 14 releases extra gas and thus the reservoir is full of a gas and liquid under rather high pressures. By releasing this extra gas on the return stroke of the handle 5|, additional liquid can be drawn into the storage reservoir or tank Id. The float actuated valve 14 is, as stated above, used as a safety check in case something should happen and the handle, for example, becomes stuck so that the pressure reducing valve 66 is left continually open. The release of the mechanically actuated valve 66 is, as stated above, adjustable so that the device may be used with different types of dispensing faucets.

The liquid inlet 39a from the supply tank I2 is, as clearly shown in Fig. 4, placed above the level of the liquid in the storage reservoir l4 and thus discharges the liquid coming in from the storage tank above this level. This permits excessive gas to be freed from the liquid so as to be drawn from the top of the reservoir. The draw of the liquid through the dispensing faucet 46 is from the bottom of the reservoir tank, note the intake for the dispensing pipe line as shown at 44, Fig. 4.

The pressures of the carbonated beverage contained in the apparatus or system embodying the present invention may vary considerably but I have discovered from actual use of the apparatus embodying said invention that in certain instances the pressures are approximately as follows:

The pressure of the beverage as drawn from the faucet 46 is at approximately ten pounds per square inch; the pressure of the beverage in the storage reservoir I4 is at approximately twentyfive pounds per square inch; and thepressure of it-he. abeverageiin sthe'lstorage :tank; orlcontainer el'2 :is maintained atrapproximately ne hundredrand :fifitm'poundsupensduaresinoh. 1

i-Thezpressuresiinethe;storagerzreservoirrreduce approximately :ten: pounds per :square: inch iupon oopeningnf the ;mechanical .iifiilllerfifiz'blltzthe pres- ;sures l'bliill) :up to :approximately twenty-five rpuundsrwhen :ltheidispensing valve dfi; is "closed and? the iadditionalzbeverage :fiows into the storzage reservoinl firiromrthasupply tankwi 2.

It: iszto ;be zunderstoodsthat the foregoingpressures are, asgstatediabove,r;merely approximate eandlare given lmerelyiiby ,Way of a example :and :it is :entirely rpossible ithat: these pressures will. vary considerablyiromtheifiguresigiven above.

- EL-claim: J

1. :In: anl'apparatus for :dispensingacarbonated beverages, the ;combination. of a supp y tank, a *storage reservoirjnzcommunicatinnwith thelsupplytank, a pressure regulator ;associated with the storage reservoiraanddnterposedibetween-the :supply itank and said :reservoir ;to regulate'the #pressures :within: said reservoir, ,tmanually con- -=trolled dispensing :valve': means for drawing carbonated liquidfrom'the'storage reservoir, an excess pressure release valve associated with the storage reservoir and adapted for periodic opening and closing movements prior to the opening of the dispensing valve and also subsequent to the closing of said dispensing valve, and adjustable means operable by the manual actuation of the dispensing valve for opening said excess pressure release valve at a predetermined time relative to both the opening and closing of said dispensing valve.

2. In an apparatus for dispensing carbonated beverages, the combination of a supply tank, a storage reservoir in controlled communication with the supply tank, a pressure regulator associated with the storage reservoir and interposed between the supply tank and said reservoir to regulate the pressures within said reservoir, a beverage dispensing valve connected with said storage reservoir, a handle for opening said dispensing valve, an excess pressure release valve associated with the storage reservoir, and an adjustable release valve actuating member connected to said handle for opening said release valve at predetermined but variable time intervals both prior to opening the dispensing valve and subsequent to the closing ofsaid dispensing valve.

3. In an apparatus for dispensing carbonated beverages, the combination of a supply tank, a storage reservoir in communication with the supply tank, a pressure regulator associated with the storage reservoir and interposed between said supply tank and said reservoir for regulating pressures within said reservoir, dispensing valve means for drawing carbonated liquid from the storage reservoir, a manually controlled handle for operating said dispensing valve, excess pressure release means associated with said storage reservoir, and adjustable means connected to said handle for operating said excess pressure release means during both the opening and closing movements of the dispensing valve for releasing excess gas pressure from within the storage reservoir at predetermined variable time intervals.

4. In an apparatus for dispensing carbonated beverages, the combination of a supply tank, a storage reservoir in communication with the supply tank, said storage reservoir having upper and lower closure members, said upper closure member having an excess pressure discharge port zcated-thereima pressure regulatorzassociated with .fthe storage-reservoir :and interposed between the storagereservoirdn communication with thesupsplyitankrsaidsstorage reservoir having upperand :IOWEITCIOSUJIG' members, said upper closure member'rhavin'gran excess pressure discharge iport -lccatedrztherein, a pressure regulator associated .zwiththe. storage'reservoir and interposedbetween -t'hesupp'lyztank and said-reservoiriorregulating t;,the. :pressureiwithin-zthe reservoir, beverage dis- -pensing:valvemeansconnected with said-storage reservoir, a manually controlled handle for actuating said valve means, a pressure release valve for controlling said port, adjustable means connected with said handle for effecting the periodic opening of said last named valve during the manual operation of opening and closing the dispensing valve whereby to release excess pressure from within the storage reservoir prior to the opening of the dispensing valve and also subsequent to the closing of said dispensing valve, and a float controlled safety valve for closing said port independently of said pressure release valve.

6. In an apparatus for dispensing carbonated beverages, the combination of a supply tank, a storage reservoir in communication with the supply tank, said storage reservoir having upper and lower closure members, said upper closure memher having an excess pressure discharge port 10- cated therein, a pressure regulator associated with the storage reservoir and interposed between the supply tank and said reservoir for regulating the pressure within the reservoir, beverage dispensing valve means connected With said storage reservoir, a manually controlled handle for actuating said valve means, a pressure release valve for controlling said port, an adjustable timing means connected with said handle for efiecting the periodic opening of said last named valve during the manual operation of opening and closing the dispensing valve whereby to release excess pressure from within the storage reservoir prior to the opening of the dispensing valve and also subsequent to the closing'of said dispensing valve, and a float controlled safety valve operated by the liquid level in said reservoir and located in said reservoir below said pressure relief valve for closing said port independently of said pressure release valve.

7. In an apparatus for dispensing carbonated beverages, the combination of a supply tank, a storage reservoir connected to the supply tank, an adjustable valve device interposed between the supply tank and storage reservoir for regulating the flow of liquid into the reservoir, a pressure regulator associated with the storage reservoir and interposed between said supply tank and said reservoir to regulate the pressures within said reservoir, a dispensing faucet attached to ervoir at the same rate that the liquid is discharged from said reservoir through the faucet when open. 7 I

8. In an apparatus for dispensing carbonated beverages, the combination of a supply tank, a

storage reservoir in controlled communication with the supply tank, a pressure regulator associated with the storage reservoir and interposed between said tank and reservoir to regulate pressures within said reservoir, manually controlled dispensing valve means communicating with a spiral feed tube opening adjacent the bottom of said storage reservoir for drawing carbonated liquid therefrom, and an adjustable excess gas pressure release valve on said storage reservoir and connected with said manually controlled dispensing valve means for periodic opening and closing movements both prior to the opening of the dispensing valve and subsequent to the closing of said dispensing valve, whereby excess gas is vented from said storage reservoir to relieve pressures therein prior to drawing a liquid therefrom and prior to refilling said reservoir.

9. In an apparatus for dispensing carbonated beverages, the combination of a supply tank, a storage reservoir in controlled communication with the supply tank, a pressure regulator associated with the storage reservoir and interposed between said tank and reservoir and adapted to regulate the pressures created within said reservoir, manually controlled dispensing valve means communicating with a-spiral feed tube opening adjacent the bottom of said 'storager'eservoir for drawing carbonated liquid therefrom; an excess pressure release valve on said storage reservoir and connected with said manually controlled dispensing valve means for periodic opening and closing movements both prior to the opening of the dispensing valve, and means operable by the manual opening and closing of the dispensing valve for opening said excess pressure release valve to vent gas from said storage reservoir both before and after drawing a liquid therefrom.

JOHN B. TESTORI. 

